Do not wear anything which may obstruct your balance e.g. it wouldn’t be sensible to carry home a week’s worth of shopping on your bike.

On the road

Use cycle routes, dedicated cycling tracks, advanced stop lines, cycle boxes and toucan crossings unless at the time it is unsafe to do so

Cycling lanes are marked by a white line (which may be broken) along the carriageway. When using cycling lanes, keep within the lane when practical. When leaving a cycle lane, ensure that you’ve checked it is safe do so and signal your intention to other road users

You must NOT cycle on the pavement

Most bus lanes can be used by cyclists as indicated on signs. Watch out for people getting on or off a bus. Be very careful when overtaking a bus or leaving a bus lane as you will be entering a busier traffic flow. For your own safety, do not pass between the kerb and a bus when it is at a stop.

Riding your bike

Keep both hands on the handlebars apart from when you’re signalling or changing gear

Keep both feet on the pedals

Never ride more than two abreast, and ride in single file on narrow or busy roads and when riding round bends

Do not ride close behind a vehicle

Be considerate of other road users, particularly those with visual impairments. Use your bell if necessary to let them know you are there

Look all around before moving away from the kerb, turning or manoeuvring, to make sure it is safe to do so. Give a clear signal to show other road users what you intend to do

Look well ahead for obstructions in the road, such as drains, pot-holes, speed humps and parked vehicles so that you do not have to swerve suddenly

Be aware of traffic coming up behind you

Obey all traffic signs and traffic light signals.

Parking your bike

Find a location where it can be seen by passers-by

Use cycle stands or other cycle parking facilities wherever possible

Do not leave it where it would cause an obstruction or hazard to other road users

Secure it well so that it will not fall over and become an obstruction or hazard.